Rare-Earth Supply Chain: China Rare Earth Group has formed a new joint stock company in Guangxi with two partners to expand rare-earth smelting, materials and alloys, signaling tighter control of downstream processing. Mining Permitting: B.C. approved an environmental assessment for Vitreo Minerals’ Angus silica sand open-pit mine near Prince George, targeting about 2 million tonnes a year for fracking markets. Gold Project Finance: Toubani Resources secured a $208m funding package to complete construction of Mali’s Kobada gold mine. Iron Ore Milestone: Mesabi Metallics reported a successful first production blast at its Minnesota iron ore mine and pellet plant project, moving it toward pellet production later this year. Diamond Market Pressure: De Beers will pause production at South Africa’s Venetia diamond mine for two years to cut costs amid weaker demand and lab-grown competition. Ghana Legal Clash: A $100m dispute over Ghana’s Black Volta gold project is headed into a high-stakes fight between E&P and Azumah Resources. Corporate Moves: Osisko Metals said Glencore Canada converted a $25m convertible debenture into company units, pending TSX approval. Local Benefits Push (PNG): Ok Tedi Mining urged greater landowner participation and higher local procurement to ensure PNG mining wealth reaches host communities. Infrastructure for Exports: Vancouver’s port picked TerraMarine as preferred proponent for Roberts Bank Terminal 2 landmass and wharf work, supporting Canada’s trade growth.